VDE vs. BKGI

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) and BKGI (Bny Mellon Global Infrastructure Income ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. VDE is passively managed, while BKGI is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VDE returned 15.22%/yr vs 22.17%/yr for BKGI. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VDE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for BKGI.

Performance

VDE vs. BKGI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and Bny Mellon Global Infrastructure Income ETF (BKGI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VDE achieves a 22.66% return, which is significantly higher than BKGI's 13.18% return.

VDE

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: -6.20%
• YTD: 22.66%
• 6M: 23.59%
• 1Y: 32.24%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: 18.47%
• 10Y*: 9.17%

BKGI

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: -2.30%
• YTD: 13.18%
• 6M: 13.33%
• 1Y: 22.14%
• 3Y*: 22.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

VDE vs. BKGI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	22.66%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	-1.38%
BKGI Bny Mellon Global Infrastructure Income ETF	13.18%	37.53%	12.35%	9.72%	8.54%

Correlation

The correlation between VDE and BKGI is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2022	0.36

Over the past year, the correlation between VDE and BKGI has dropped to 0.12 - well below their long-term average of 0.36, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VDE vs. BKGI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDE	BKGI
Energy	99.5%	20.6%
Basic Materials	0.4%	-
Industrials	0.1%	11.8%
Communication Services	-	2.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	18.1%
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	46.8%

Return for Risk

VDE vs. BKGI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 49
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 46

BKGI

BKGI Risk / Return Rank: 70
BKGI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
BKGI Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
BKGI Omega Ratio Rank: 68
BKGI Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
BKGI Martin Ratio Rank: 70

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

VDE vs. BKGI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and Bny Mellon Global Infrastructure Income ETF (BKGI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VDE	BKGI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.91	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.65	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.35	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	3.61	-1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.79	11.22	-4.43

VDE vs. BKGI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the BKGI Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDE and BKGI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VDE vs. BKGI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDE drawdown since its inception was -74.20%, which is greater than BKGI's maximum drawdown of -14.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDE and BKGI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDE	BKGI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.20%	-14.79%	-59.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.20%	-6.16%	-8.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.41%	-14.16%	-7.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.22%	-2.30%	-10.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.94%	-2.56%	-17.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.76%	1.98%	+2.78%

Volatility

VDE vs. BKGI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) has a higher volatility of 6.96% compared to Bny Mellon Global Infrastructure Income ETF (BKGI) at 3.59%. This indicates that VDE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BKGI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VDE	BKGI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.96%	3.59%	+3.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.74%	9.35%	+7.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.70%	11.65%	+9.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.38%	14.03%	+12.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.93%	14.03%	+15.90%

VDE vs. BKGI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than BKGI's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDE vs. BKGI - Dividend Comparison

VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.25%, more than BKGI's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKGI Bny Mellon Global Infrastructure Income ETF	2.67%	2.65%	4.55%	4.55%	0.53%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	3.25%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDE and BKGI in my portfolio?

VDE and BKGI have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VDE or BKGI?

VDE has higher volatility (6.96%) compared to BKGI (3.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDE dropped -74.20% vs BKGI's -14.79%.

Which ETF is better, VDE or BKGI?

On 3-year performance, BKGI leads with 22.17% vs 15.22% for VDE. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, BKGI has been the lower-risk option at 3.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VDE or BKGI?

Over the 3-year period, BKGI has performed better with a 22.17% return vs 15.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDE or BKGI?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for BKGI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VDE or BKGI?

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.25%, compared with 2.67% for BKGI.

What is the main difference between VDE and BKGI?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and BNY Mellon. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VDE and 0.65% for BKGI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BKGI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.57), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.